Column by leader of Stroud District Council Doina Cornell.

AS the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine continues, at the council we’ve considered what more we can do. In 2019 we procured gas from the UK branch of Gazprom Energy. The contract is ending this year, so we have agreed not to renew the contract and are also exploring whether there are any possibilities of early termination.

The best thing all of us can do to help is donate money - this is more effective than sending donated items. The Disasters Emergency Committee, and the UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £20 million donated by the public to this appeal: dec.org.uk

International Women’s Day fell on 8 March, and the theme this year is #breakthebias. As stated on the website internationalwomensday.com

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”

Stroud District Council is unusual in having both a female leader and chief executive, and the stats are pretty stark - women make up only around 35% of councillors in England, and just 17% of council leaders. The local government workforce is 78% female, while only 33% of council chief executives are women. We can all, men and women, play our part in breaking the bias of the system, by encouraging and supporting women we know in whatever they are doing, in political, private and community sectors, to be the leaders of the future.

The Strategy & Resources Committee met on Thursday 10 March and will be considering the adoption of the Economic Development Strategy and action plan that has been out for public consultation. As agreed in the budget, £386,000 has been allocated to deliver the plan, with a focus on supporting our local high streets, businesses, and sectors most impacted by the pandemic.